I got to spend a few hours on the bay in my Revo and took it sailing. What a blast! I'm really quite a novice sailor and don't have the lingo down, so bear with me.

I have already installed a rear block (based on wingit's excellent post about improved rigging for the revo).

I have a couple of questions that I would appreciate your help with:

1. I want to purchase a longer mainsheet - what cordage do you recommend for that? I buy my stuff from West Marine, if that helps with recommendations.
2. We routinely get pretty windy in the afternoons so I do want to install a roller furling system like Stringy's simplified system which allows me to adjust the sail area - what west marine cordage would you recommend for that.

Thanks in advance!! I love this site!

P.S. I promise to get a copy of Royce before asking too many more questions.

While I have bought way to much gear from West marine, I have found the prices on line from Annapolis Performance Sailing to be a bit better also in January they are having a 20% off sale. When I replaced the line on my wife's revolution I went to Maffioli New Swift and have been very happy but it probaly total over kill. For my AI I am going with Sampson Apex or Yale conception. Another couple of things I did on the Revo was add a block in front of me so I was pulling back at me and added a clam cleat for the main. I will get some pictures posted as soon as I am at home in the day light.

I use a 3/16" polyester double braid from West Marine (by New England Ropes)-- slightly smaller and more flexible than the Hobie line, reasonably priced (especially on sale) and has a reasonable grip. Here's what it looks like (you can get different colors):
This snaps on and off the sail and can double as an emergency tow line.

You should get more than you think you'll need -- can trim it later. You'll find lots of uses for the left overs. for instance, short (5') lengths for quick tethering of gear as necessary. Here's another piece used as a permanent loop for securing the sail when stowed:
Also, if you adopt MRL's excellent rigging suggestion, you'll need more line. Shown here is a similar set up on an Oasis:
(You probably would skip the cam cleat for the Revo unless also using the Sidekick for improved stability).

For your furler, you might look at 3/16" or 4mm line. Just guessing though as I don't furl the small sail. You need it to wrap nicely around the small mast yet be easy to grip.

Last edited by Roadrunner on Fri Jan 09, 2009 10:51 am, edited 1 time in total.

Road runner thanks for posting the pictures my set up looks very similar to your except I use a clam not a clam cleat. I have been using 3/16 line on my furler with no problem. I am a bit suprised you use 3/8 " line for the main sheet I use a line which is between 3/16 and 1/4 of an inch but I do were gloves. I think the stock main sheet on the AI is only 1/4" are use using this or have you changed out to something bigger. I reccomended the single braids since they are lighter and do not absorb water. But at the end of the day are about $10.00 more exspensive. Thanks again for your posts and all the time you have spent helping us all out.
Mike

MRL, you are absolutely right -- I mis-stated the line size. I also use 3/16" and have corrected the post above.

I also double checked Hobie's factory issue line sizes -- 3/16 yacht braid for the small sail main, 1/4" AI mainsheet and 5mm AI furler. I'm no expert on lines and would defer to your recommendations as to quality and feel of the different materials. Thanks for the correction!

Thanks so much for your help and the pictures. I ended up going with the Sta-Set 1/4" line because it's easier to handle. I also bought some 30 series blocks, including a cheek block.

In terms of rigging the line, I was considering replacing the mesh pocket holder with a regular (about 1/2" thick) plastic cutting board. I would use the existing mesh pocket as a template to cut it to size (and drill the screw or bolt holes). This is a variation of wingit's cupholder design.

Interestingly, I've read Roadrunner's post about the revo's sailing characteristics as opposed to the adventure and the position of the sail. Strangely enough, in the 08 revo's, hobie has moved the aft handle padeye to the very back of the boat. This move is disappointing as, aside from losing the improved angle of the location of the mainsheet aft block, you also have the handle, mainsheet and block potentially snagging/snafuing with the rudder. Fortunately, that's a very easy fix given the location of the hatch.

Unfortunately, I won't be back at the beach for another 3 weeks so I won't be able to put all these great ideas into action.

Again, gents, thanks for the help!!

Kinoyakker

_________________KINOYAKKER

Last edited by KINOYAKKER on Mon Jan 12, 2009 12:40 am, edited 1 time in total.